It is the wish of many entrepreneurs to be able to hand over the reins to their child one day. When you have invested your whole life in a company, nothing could be more normal. André Sabourin, founder of La Forfaiterie, is one of them. He has just passed the torch to his daughter, Mylène, who becomes the full owner.
For La Forfaiterie, this is a new stage. When it started, the company had around a hundred gift packages to offer its customers. Today there are more than 2000.
“No one knew about this. The Internet didn’t exist much. It was brand new,” says Mr. Sabourin.
The first boutique opened its doors at the Laurier Québec shopping center on November 24, 1997. It was while holding the cover of a Céline Dion CD in his hands that Mr. Sabourin had the idea of selling gift packages presented in the same format in order to stand out.
When it started, in 1997, La Forfaiterie offered around a hundred gift packages. Today, the company has more than 2,000. In the photo, André Sabourin, the founder, and his daughter, Mylène Sabourin, new president.
Diane Tremblay
“We are a company specializing in the sale of gift packages. We allow people to give moments as gifts. Instead of offering monetary value, we offer a meal, a moment of relaxation at the spa or a stay at a hotel. It has more value to people because they know they are going to experience something special. It’s a more personalized gift,” adds Mylène, who now serves as president.
Over the years, the company has added to its activities a travel agency component known as La Forfaiterie Voyages, which represents approximately a third of the turnover.
Since 2011, Mylène has worked in the company where she held different positions, even during her studies. When her father expressed his desire to sell, she immediately raised her hand.
“It will always be part of my life,” says Mr. Sabourin.
What’s new
To highlight this transition, the company has adopted a new brand image.
“I have a great team with me who are really motivated and proactive. We have worked a lot in recent months and years to increase the number of partners, which was a challenge, because obviously with the pandemic, there are several establishments that have closed and others that have reviewed their structure to adapt. focus on their internal sales tool,” explained Mylène.
“We have lots of great projects coming up, including the redesign of the website that we are working on.”
Mylène Sabourin takes over from her father, André.
Diane Tremblay
In addition, with the travel agency, the company has developed a new offer in conjunction with its partners such as agrotourism trips in Europe. She is also preparing to offer a trip to Iceland in collaboration with Strøm Nordic spa where the emphasis will be on well-being with thermal experiences.
The company has six stores and two travel agencies in Quebec. The approaching holiday season represents nearly 50% of its business volume.
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